Transportation

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has pledged his administration’s renewed commitment to harnessing the state’s aviation potential for economic and socio-economic development.

The governor made the declaration while hosting members of the Women in Aviation International (WAI), Nigeria Chapter, who were in Ibadan for their annual conference, themed “Connect, Engage, Inspire.”

The event was held at the Western Hall, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

A cross-section of attendees at the Women In Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter event in Ibadan

Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, cited several women who have played significant roles in the aviation sector.

He urged the association to remain committed to their responsibilities, emphasizing that the aviation industry is an international field where women are equally capable.

The governor also affirmed that his administration remains dedicated to the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLA) to international standards, expressing confidence that the project will transform the state’s economy.

In her address, the Founder of Women in Aviation, Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Rejoice Ndudinachi, stated that beyond the conference’s focus, the association plans to engage schools in Ibadan for mentorship and scholarship programs within the aviation industry.

The Vice Chairperson of the association, Miss Seyifunmi Peace, encouraged parents to allow their children to explore and take advantage of career prospects in the aviation sector.

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Economy

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State government has handed over 90.2 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the construction of dry ports.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony held at Moniya-Akinyele Dry Port, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, said the decision was aimed at boosting the economy and urged the federal government to use the land for its intended purpose. 

Governor Makinde added that the multimodal initiative of the federal government, if well-operated, would help decongest the nation’s seaports, enhance industrialisation, and improve the agricultural value chains.

Reacting, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Michael Olufemi, noted that allotment of the 90.2 hectares of land highlighted the clear shared vision between the federal and Oyo State government towards expanding the nation’s economy. 

Earlier, Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, said the documentation would formalise the interest of the federal government in its quest for partnership with Oyo State on Blue Economy on 26th June, 2024, saying the partnership would enhance mutual benefit in the interest of the public.

The Director of Nigeria Shippers Council, Ahmadu Yahaya Gatta, said the marine economy would further serve an extension of seaports, direct services to import and export, with a positive impact on the regional economy, including agriculture and logistics, among others.

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Environment

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sympathised with traders whose property were lost in Thursday’s tanker fire disaster in the Apata area of Ibadan.

 Makinde spoke through his deputy, Chief Adebayo Lawal, who, on Friday evening, visited the scene of the fire disaster to assess the level of damage.

The governor assured victims of the tanker fire of the government’s support, to minimise the painful effect of the incident.

He described the incident as saddening but thanked God that no life was lost.

”The government of Oyo State under the leadership of Gov. Seyi Makinde sympathises with all our people who lost property, goods and other sources of livelihood to the unfortunate incident.

”We enjoin you to take consolation in the fact that no life was lost in the incident. May the Almighty God comfort you all, and give you the fortitude to bear the losses,” he said.

The governor cautioned motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on any journey.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a fully loaded tanker on Thursday evening, at Apata area of Ibadan, around 6:15 p.m. lost control and exploded when fell on the road.

The fire destroyed nearby shops and other structures.

NAN/Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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